Monday, December 21, 2020

December mini quilt - Nativity

Another little collage quilt.  I had fun making this and worked on it over a number of days this month, while listening to Christmas music and pondering on the miracle and joy of Jesus' birth.  

You will see lots of other minis on Wendy's blog The Constant Quilter.  Thank you for connecting us all through this year Wendy! 


It's meant to be fairly abstract and yet say "Nativity".   Mary is wearing a pink robe complete with selvage hem.  And Joseph is wearing a yukata.  Why not?  Lots of bright circles of light radiating from baby Jesus. 


One of my favorite Christmas songs is the brief and soulful "Star of Wonder" by the Roches.  It's on their 1990 Christmas album We Three Kings, one of my most favorite Christmas albums ever.  


I used  asanoha (hemp leaf) fabric for the stable.  Asanoha has a connotation of "protectiveness" and so is used in children's clothing traditionally.   


It measures about 13"x17".  The backing is one of my favorite tenugui.  The name of the pattern escapes me.


However you might be celebrating this season, I hope you are finding light and joy in your life, and shining that light too.   It is unlimited!  

Love,

Cynthia 



23 comments:

  1. What a wonderful little quilt to celebrate Christmas.. I love the colors and the fabrics, and your construction technique, which looks very freeing.

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  2. This is incredible, Cynthia! I love the symbolism you chose to use in the fabrics. And though I get the "abstract" feel, it is very clear what the message is here. Well done!

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  3. Cynthia this is just beautiful--what a lot of thoughtfulness went into this piece...it is beautiful great fabric choices hugs from very cold CT Julierose

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  4. How very beautiful! It's a perfect Christmas mini.

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  5. Oh, how I love this little quilt, Cynthia! It conveys the Nativity scene so perfectly. Wouldn't a print of it make a great Christmas card?! Yes!!!

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  6. What a sweet and beautiful little quilt. I love the artistry and meaning it conveys.

    Merry Christmas!

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  7. What a perfect December mini! You really captured the nativity scene in a modern/abstract way. Love all your collage pieces :) Merry Christmas!

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  8. How utterly delightful! What a treasure. It is simply gorgeous. And, you have given me inspiration to make a nativity mini for my mother. Thanks for participating again. Merry Christmas my friend!

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  9. What a wonderful quilt full of soul and symbolism your fabric choices are inspired on many levels.
    I especially appreciate the gold and yellow auras surrounded the baby Jesus.
    Well well done. Simply charming and heartwarming.

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  10. You've become a master at these minis! I look forward to seeing what you come up with each month and you never disappoint. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

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    1. Gladi thank you very much! I am really enjoying this collage style. I *think* I will continue it into 2021. Merry Christmas to you too!

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  11. Wonderful! I love the mingling of cultures and traditions!

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  12. Nativity with a Japanese touch ... Love it!

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  13. So charming, a lot of thought has gone into this.
    The pattern is famous in Old Imari china patterns, and is known as Tako Karakusa or octopus arabesque.

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    1. Ahhh Queenie thank you for this info! I had forgotten the terms!

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  14. Absolutely stunning - once again, your selection and layering of fabrics adds both visual depth and symbolism - a beautiful Nativity collage!

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  15. What a darling little quilt to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

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  16. So much thought went into your beautiful Nativity scene. It is a work of art!

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  17. A wonderful abstraction of the Nativity! Happy Holidays!

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  18. A wonderful way to interpret the Nativity, very thoughtful & creative.

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  19. Your Nativity mini collage quilt sings a beautiful Christmas carol of the joy of Jesus's birth. Your interpretation, fabric and stitching is truly beautiful. It is a beautiful and creative imagination that you have.

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  20. This is fabulous. So fun to see all the different elements and the significance of each. I love your choice for Joseph’s clothing, so significant for your Christmas in Japan. Delightful piece.

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